Dungeness Crabs and Blackberry Cobblers: The Northwest Heritage Cookbook

The eighth in the Knopf Cooks American series, this volume proves that there is a lot more to Pacific Northwest cooking than Agent Cooper's cherry pie and coffee. Hibler, who originally hails from northern Californiano other info of note/mm , writes of the influence of Indian tribes and pioneers, old and new, on food cultivation in the area. The book is generously illustrated with historical photographs and punctuated with quotes from pioneers' letters and diaries about food and cooking. But the region's bounty and diverse cultural background are perhaps best celebrated in the recipes. Hibler shows how to use local plenty in Vietnamese shrimp rolls, blueberry catsup and baked Multnomah catfish. For the truly adventurous, there is advice on dressing game and preparing elk steaks. While she emphasizes using fresh ingredients, Hibler occasionally allows for frozen substitutes. Recipes are not labor-intensive, and food processors are used when practical. However, a mail-order list would have come in handy for those who can't find Tillamook cheese or Oregon truffles nearby. (Nov.)